11 Nov 2026

At 23, Karabo Nteko, affectionately known as Kemo, has embraced pageantry as far more than a platform for beauty and recognition. 

For the Mokgware-born youth leader, pageantry is a catalyst for personal growth, leadership and creating meaningful opportunities for young people. A Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduate from the University of Botswana, Nteko's interests span modelling, entrepreneurship, pageantry and youth empowerment. 

Her ambitions, however, extend beyond the glamour of the runway to building a legacy anchored in purpose, creativity and social impact. Through her youth empowerment initiative, YaMasa, she nurtures young talent, promotes creativity and equips youth with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.

Nteko's explains that her advocacy stems from recognising the pressing challenges facing young people, particularly unemployment and financial uncertainty, which often compromise their mental well-being. “Many young people abandon their childhood talents in pursuit of conventional career paths, only to encounter limited employment opportunities after graduation. YaMasa was established to bridge that gap by encouraging youth to explore their innate abilities and build sustainable livelihoods,” she says.

While pageantry offers a powerful stage to amplify her initiative through strategic networking, business partnerships and organisational engagement, Kemo maintains that making a difference does not require a crown. “Advocacy must extend beyond titles and recognition,” she adds.

Behind the glamorous stage presence lies a demanding regimen requiring discipline, rigorous preparation and substantial financial investment.  In the lead-up to major competitions, her routine includes devotion, physical fitness, current affairs research, public speaking, walking rehearsals and interview preparation.

She dedicates four to six hours weekly to walking practice, alongside three to four hours for media and interview training, while balancing advocacy research and personal development. Financially, the demands extend well beyond entry fees and gowns to encompass footwear, makeup, transport, accommodation, professional photography and national costumes.

Nteko's navigates these costs through careful budgeting, prioritising and pursuing strategic sponsorships, though she emphasises that financial resources alone do not dictate a contestant’s success. “Preparation, character, intelligence and purpose remain equally vital,” she says.

Beyond the stage, pageantry exposes contestants to intense public scrutiny regarding their appearance, confidence and performance. Kemo has learned to filter constructive feedback from negative commentary, protecting her mental health while maintaining a grounded self-image.

She also stresses the importance of sisterhood, proving that competition does not preclude mutual support. Recalling her experience at the Miss Diamond Botswana pageant, Kemo shared how fellow contestant, Sharon Mankaka, came to her rescue when her evening gown corset lace went missing moments before the runway parade.  She recalls how Mankaka quickly tore a bow from her own outfit to fashion a replacement lace to allow her to step onto the stage seamlessly.

“That moment reinforced my belief that genuine friendship and kindness can thrive even in highly competitive environments,” she reflects. The pageantry journey has honed her communication, networking, time management, organisational and interpersonal skills, assets she considers invaluable in both her personal and professional life.

She views a crown as a solemn responsibility rather than a mere trophy, noting that titleholders must demonstrate integrity, fulfill commitments and serve as exemplary representatives of their communities. Meanwhile, she plans to scale YaMasa while exploring opportunities across entrepreneurship, brand partnerships and the creative sector.

Ultimately, she wishes to be remembered not for stage appearances or titles earned, but for the opportunities created and lives inspired.  For her, the ultimate achievement is becoming a woman whose influence extends far beyond aesthetics and whose purpose endures long after the applause fades. ENDS